【Source】

“Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang” (1110 AD), “Bo Ji” Vol. 1 (1150 AD).

 【Composition】

Inula Japonica, Ephedra, Peucedanum Japonicum, Schizonepeta Tenufolia, (fried) Licorice, (ginger-processed) Pinellia Ternata, Red Peony Root, Fresh Ginger, Jujube
(9)

 【Classification】

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice, Jujube

<Releasing Exterior with Acrid and Warm Herbs>: Ephedra, Schizonepeta Tenufolia, Fresh Ginger

<Invigorating Blood and Dispersing Stasis>: Red Peony Root

<Transforming Phlegm>: Peucedanum Japonicum, three assistants: ginger, licorice, jujube, Pinellia Ternata, Inula Japonica

【Formula Analysis】

According to “Yi Fang”: This formula belongs to the Lung channel. (1) For wind-heat obstruction, Schizonepeta Tenufolia is acrid and light, inducing sweating to disperse wind. (2) For internal accumulation of phlegm-rheum, Peucedanum Japonicum and Inula Japonica resolve phlegm and descend qi. (3) Pinellia Ternata: Dries phlegm and disperses rebellion. (4) Licorice: Promotes dissipation and harmonizes the middle jiao. (5) Poria Cocos: Promotes water metabolism. (6) Asarum: Warms the channels. (7) Phlegm is often accompanied by fire and dampness, so descending qi and promoting dampness resolution will naturally balance the symptoms. Poria Cocos is used in its red form, entering the blood to drain fire from the Heart and Small Intestine.

 【Functions】

Release the exterior and disperse cold, resolve phlegm.

 【Indications】

External contraction of wind-cold, fever and chills, dizziness and headache, limb pain, nasal congestion and hoarse voice, cough with fullness, difficult phlegm production. According to “Yi Fang”: Wind-cold injury to the Lung channel, causing dizziness, headache, cough with excessive phlegm.

 【Contraindications】

The decoction should be filtered through fine silk to prevent fibers from irritating the lungs and causing persistent coughing.

 【Mnemonic】

Xuan Ma borrows money from Xia Sao (Xuan Ma Jie Qian Xia, Shao) + three assistants: Gan, Jiang, Zao. (Inula, Ephedra, Schizonepeta, Peucedanum, Pinellia, and Red Peony, plus Licorice, Ginger, and Jujube).

 【Modifications】

According to “Yi Fang”: (1) For fullness and distention: add Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Platycodon Grandiflorum. (2) For fever: add Bupleurum and Scutellaria Baicalensis. (3) For headache: add Chuanxiong.